Top Untamed Destinations 2026

Our Travel Designers have selected our Untamed top destinations for 2026

Top Untamed Destinations 2026

Our Travel Designers have selected our Untamed top destinations for 2026

Top Untamed Destinations 2026

With the end of the year already in sight, you may already be orienting yourself for your next trip. Are you thinking of a destination full of history and culture, do you prefer a paradise for foodies, or do you prefer a still relatively unknown place, far away from mass tourism? Everything is possible! Planning your next trip not only offers something to look forward to, but also gives you the chance to carefully put together your travel requirements. Our Travel Designers have therefore already made a first selection of our Untamed top destinations for 2026. Where the world can’t find you…

1. Egypt

Egypt definitely belongs in the top destinations for 2026 because it is a country full of history and natural beauty. Desert landscapes such as the Sahara and Sinai are interspersed with impressive temples and pyramid complexes. Along the Nile are beautiful cities and archaeological sites, while the fertile delta is home to rich bird life. The country combines a rich cultural heritage with a stunning coastline and colorful coral reefs. A Nile cruise offers a way to experience this unique combination. Expert guides bring history to life at famous temples such as Luxor, Karnak and Philae, while starry skies make the evening unforgettable.

2. Angola

Angola is a country of great cultural and natural diversity, with numerous authentic and tribal populations. The landscape ranges from tropical rainforest, savannas and vast grassy plains to impressive rock formations, waterfalls and paradisiacal beaches along the Atlantic coast. The Serra da Kula Mountains offer spectacular views of the Namib Desert. The country has six national parks, including Iona, Kissama, Luengue-Luiana and Cangandala, where you can see elephants, giraffes, lions, wild dogs and the giant sable antelope. Portugal’s colonial legacy is visible in cities and monuments such as the Christo Rei statue and the town of Namibe, making Angola a fascinating blend of nature, culture and history and certainly belongs on this list.

3. Laos

Laos, in the heart of Southeast Asia, is a country full of cultural and spiritual heritage. The Mekong River, the country’s lifeline, flows past cities such as Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Savannakhet and Pakse, where Buddhist temples, historical monuments and lively nightlife can be discovered. In the more remote areas, you will experience an impressive diversity of peoples, vast rice fields, plantations and breathtaking natural landscapes. From karst mountains and jagged limestone cliffs to misty jungles that come alive at sunrise. Laos offers an authentic, restful experience, making it a barely discovered Untamed gem.

4. Tasmania

Tasmania is an island state of Australia, south of the mainland. The island is large but has few inhabitants, making it feel quiet and vast. Tasmania has beautiful nature: high mountains, dense forests, lakes and vast National Parks, and is home to unusual animals such as the Tasmanian devil, penguins, wombats and seals. In the capital city of Hobart, enjoy the view from Mount Wellington mountain and attend famous events such as the Sydney to Hobart race, the Falls Festival and MONA’s Festival of Art. Beyond that, wild nature stretches with rivers, waterfalls, mountain ranges and ancient forests, perfect for hikes and adventures. The island combines nature, culture, good food and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a true 2026 Untamed destination.

5. Mexico

Mexico is a diverse country with spectacular nature, from deserts and snow-capped volcanoes to tropical jungle and thousands of miles of coastline on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The country offers a rich culture, from ancient Mayan civilizations and colonial cities to vibrant traditions and indigenous peoples. Natural phenomena, such as the migration of gray whales and monarch butterflies, attract nature lovers from all over the world every year. The world-famous Mexican cuisine, makes Mexico a paradise for foodies: explore local markets, take cooking classes, taste authentic dishes, sip tequila and get carried away by Mariachi music. This unique combination of breathtaking nature, vibrant culture and culinary adventure makes Mexico an unforgettable destination and therefore an absolute must for travelers in 2026.

6. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is on the list of top destinations for 2026 because of its unique combination of breathtaking nature, exciting safaris, rich culture and authentic hospitality. The country is a versatile safari destination with vast wilderness, high-end lodges and top-level guides. From the mighty Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba to the wild areas of Mana Pools and Gonarezhou, Zimbabwe offers countless opportunities for adventure, including safaris, canoeing, rafting, sunset cruises and helicopter flights. It is also home to a rich cultural heritage, including the mysterious ruins of Great Zimbabwe and ancient cave paintings in Matobo National Park.

7. Albania

Albania is a surprisingly diverse and authentic country that, since the fall of communism in 1991, has been increasingly connecting with Europe. The country is an ideal destination for 2026 thanks to its pristine nature, authentic culture and relatively undiscovered places. Cities such as Tirana, Shkodër and Gjirokastër combine modern architecture with Ottoman fortresses, Venetian houses, Baroque churches and Communist structures, while the countryside is home to deep traditions, remote villages and wildlife such as lynx and brown bears. On the picturesque Ionian coast of Vlorë, Sarandë and Butrint, you will experience a Mediterranean atmosphere.

8. China

China is an immense country, where past, present and future converge. Historical highlights such as the Forbidden City, the Terra Cotta Army and the Great Wall are just the beginning; the contrast between rural villages, vast deserts, high plains, fertile rice terraces and tropical rainforest makes a trip through China unforgettable. Food has played a central role in social life for centuries, while modern cities bustle with culture, architecture and innovation. With its unique blend of nature, culture, adventure and progress, China is a destination travelers should not miss in 2026.

9. Algeria

In Algeria, the country is called “Al Jaza’ir,” which means “the islands. It is 85% desert, with cities and oases lying like islands in this vast sea of sand. The desert has the most diverse forms: from meters-high sand dunes and imposing rock formations to endless plains of sand and stone. Camel caravans regularly pass through the desert heading south. The country offers many reasons to visit in 2026, so you can discover the modern capital Algiers, as well as colorful markets, impressive mountain ranges and ancient villages with medieval fortresses. For lovers of adventure and culture, Algeria is a unique destination with undiscovered landscapes and authentic traditions.

10. Norway

Norway is the ultimate wildlife refuge. The forests and arctic regions are home to orcas, moose and bears, while around Svalbard, the Lofoten and Vesterålen you may encounter polar bears, belugas and whales. Inland, musk oxen, moose and brown bears live, while endangered animals such as the Arctic fox share territory with lynx, reindeer and birds of prey in national parks such as Øvre Pasvik and Reisa. For nature lovers and adventurers, Norway in 2026 is perfect to visit for its spectacular fjords, mountains, lakes and waterfalls that enchant in every season. Iconic sites such as the Preikestolen, North Cape and Urnes stave church showcase both natural beauty and rich culture, from Viking history to art nouveau and modern art.

11. Reunion

Its mountain ranges, valleys and canyons have earned Reunion the nickname of “Switzerland in the tropics.” The prosperous island in the Indian Ocean attracts many mountaineers and hikers who follow the Grande Randonnée or climb the more than 3,000-meter Piton des Neiges and the active volcano Piton de la Fournaise. Nature and bird lovers enjoy the more than a thousand plant species and pristine old-growth forest in Saint Philippe Mare Longue Nature Reserve. The well-developed road network and European amenities invite independent exploration of the island, but the rugged volcanic landscapes, deep canyons and untamed nature give Reunion the feel of a truly “untamed” destination. Adventurers seeking spectacular nature, challenging hiking trails and unique tropical landscapes away from mass tourism are in the right place in Reunion in 2026.

Travel proposal

Whatever destination you have in mind, our Travel Designers are ready to transform your desires and dreams into a unique and unforgettable experience. Request your personalized travel proposal today!

Juul de Wette

In January 2025, I started as a fourth-year college communications student at Untamed Travelling, with one last assignment: my graduation research. I now have my degree in the pocket and am a full-time part of the marketing team.

Travel and communications were instilled in me from an early age. With a father who travels all over the world for his own communications agency and a mother who is a graphic designer, it was no surprise that I went in this direction. At an early age I became interested in other cultures. I traveled to the United States, Japan, Indonesia, the Emirates and various European destinations, among others. During my studies, I was one of the lucky ones to go on a study trip to Singapore. I also lived in Barcelona, where I took the minor in Digital Marketing. Through my time in Barcelona and a family home in Alicante, Spain now totally feels like my second home.

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